Should You Sleep Wearing Earplugs

Ears are very important to our daily life. Sometimes, to get a better night’s sleep, we may stick something into our ears to block out any potentially disturbing sounds at bedtime. However, we should not use earplugs for a long time, for it will lead to many issues including potential ear infections and tinnitus. What are the really best solutions for a good night’s sleep?

Ear Wax

Wax begins fairly light colored and is created from tiny glands in the outer part of our ears. Over times, it becomes darker and firmer in texture as it collects dirt. It can against any unwanted dirt and bacteria. In general, ear wax is the first line of defence for our ears.

Wax is continuously pushed out of the ears to make way for new wax since our ears have a self-cleaning ability. That can prevent dirt clogging up in our ears and causing any harm.

Anything from earphones to earplugs which stop this natural process can be potentially harmful.

We can use an ear full of wax as an earplug. However, it can cause tinnitus if it builds to a level where it rests on our eardrum.

As we have no idea how much or how little our ears are filled with wax, we need to speak to our GP if we use plugs regularly and are concerned about the possibility of causing harm to eardrum.

Earplugs

Earplugs come in different materials, shapes, sizes, and styles to help people get a better night’s sleep. You should first consider comfort when you are considering using them.

Hygiene and Discarding

You will find disposable ones and reusable ones when buying earplugs. It can be tricky to tell how long reusable plugs should be used for before being thrown in the bin although disposable ones are pretty self-explanatory. Once they start to discolor due to the wax, you can discard them. You risk infecting your ears if you continue to use them. Bactria can go into your ears through your fingers and the lingering wax. Avoid using your saliva to moisten an earplug. There are a lot of bacteria in our mouth.

Bottom line

Do not use earplugs as a permanent sleeping aid. They heighten the risk of both infection and tinnitus when used, particularly over a long period of time, although they indeed can help to improve sleep.

Our ears are not designed to block something. When your chances of being disturbed at night are higher than usual, you had better try to restrict your use for occasions although you do like to use earplugs.